Chapter 288

At the Blackwood Hotel, Victoria Sterling basked in the blinding spotlight of her moment.

Meanwhile...

Evelyn Carter drove her sapphire-blue Bugatti along the winding coastal road of Moonlight Cove.

The ocean breeze played with her chestnut locks as she hummed along to a cheerful melody blasting through the speakers.

Her phone lit up with an incoming call from Dominic.

"Hello, Dom!" she answered in that honeyed tone only reserved for her brothers.

"Good heavens, that voice!" Dominic teased. "Should I record this for Nathan? Might finally crack that icy exterior of his."

Evelyn chuckled before turning serious. "Does this mean everything's arranged?"

"All set," Dominic confirmed proudly. "Sebastian's team is ready too. Your brothers have everything under control."

She turned onto the private road leading to Reginald's estate. "I'm visiting Grandpa Reginald now. He's the only Blackwood who refused to attend Victoria's gala."

A pang of sadness struck her. The old man who loved company was sitting alone by choice.

Memories flooded back - their poetry sessions, antique appraisals, beach walks. Last Valentine's Day during Crestview's worst snowstorm, she'd braved the weather with homemade pastries.

"Evelyn!" Reginald had exclaimed that day. "Shouldn't you be with Nathan? What brings you to this old fool's doorstep?"

Back then, she'd made excuses for Nathan's absence. "He's buried in work at Blackwood Industries. But he sent flowers - it's the thought that counts."

Reginald had shaken his head. "Child, you're too forgiving. That boy needs a firmer hand. Like your grandmother - she'd either scold me senseless or pinch my thigh until I behaved."

They'd watched the snowfall until Reginald suddenly asked, "Are you afraid of the cold? Never mind - let's visit Grandma. Need to clear her path - she always hated the chill."

Now arriving at the estate, Evelyn called out, "Grandpa! I'm home!"

"Annie!" Eleanor's sweet voice answered as she wheeled Reginald into view.

"Ellie!" Evelyn rushed to embrace Nathan's half-sister.

Eleanor's hands traced Evelyn's back. "You've gotten so thin! Haven't you been eating?"

"I'm fine," Evelyn lied, having skipped too many meals lately.

"My dear," Reginald beckoned. "Let me look at you."

Evelyn knelt by his wheelchair. "Grandpa, you look pale. Haven't you been resting well?"